Pakistan’s military launched a series of airstrikes and ground assaults along its border with Afghanistan on Sunday, killing at least 100 people, including civilians, and wounding many more, according to officials.
The attacks, which were reportedly targeted at militant hideouts in the Afghan provinces of Paktia, Paktika, and Kunar, also left 29 militants dead, said Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The Taliban government in Afghanistan condemned the strikes as a “cowardly act” and a “crime and atrocity.”
Afghanistan Pakistan Conflict
The latest violence comes amid a long-standing dispute between the two countries over cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring militants who carry out attacks on its soil, while the Taliban government in Kabul denies the allegations.
The conflict has resulted in intermittent clashes and airstrikes along the border, killing dozens of people in recent months. In June, Pakistan launched airstrikes that killed 26 militants, but also resulted in the deaths of 13 civilians, mostly children, according to the Taliban.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of banned militant groups, such as the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and its splinter faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, which have been involved in past attacks in Pakistan.
Regional Implications
The latest attacks have raised concerns about the stability of the region and the potential for further escalation. The Taliban government in Afghanistan has called for an end to the violence, while Pakistan’s military has vowed to continue its operations against militant groups.
The international community has also been involved in efforts to broker a peace deal between the two countries, but so far, these efforts have been unsuccessful. As the conflict continues to simmer, the region remains on high alert, with the potential for further violence and instability.
